Itinerary

01

Day 1

Adelaide to Southern Flinders Rangers
We start our adventure travelling through the vineyards of the Clare Valley wine region, but soon enough we’re heading into the rugged Outback through the historic town of Melrose, gateway to the Flinders Ranges. We enjoy an easy stroll through the awesome Alligator Gorge, which is sometimes bursting with wild flowers. We’ll then settle in the heart of the Southern Flinders Ranges for the night. (LD)

02

Day 2

Southern Flinders to Coober Pedy
Along the way to Coober Pedy - the Opal Capital of the World - you’ll notice the incredible changing landscapes. Wildlife, such as kangaroos, emus and eagles will scatter as road trains thunder across a landscape that resembles Mars or the Moon. On a tour of an underground Opal Mine and Museum, you’ll learn about the history of Coober Pedy. A highlight for some is visiting Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage, where you can meet the rescued kangaroos and baby joeys and admire (or buy) Aboriginal art and didgeridoos. Tonight, we sleep like the locals do - underground, in bunkhouse accommodation (dorm option only). (BLD)

03

Day 3

Coober Pedy to Kings Canyon
It’s a big day driving up the Stuart Highway, with several pit stops en route. Our mission today is to reach the majestic Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we’ll camp for the night on an authentic station. (BLD)

04

Day 4

Kings Canyon to Uluru
We get up early to explore Watarrka (Kings Canyon), where you’ll need to stop to admire and photograph the massive sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and stunning gorges. On the Canyon Rim Walk (3-4 hours), you’ll experience the beautiful Garden of Eden and learn more about the local Aboriginal culture. After lunch, we begin our journey into Uluru. Nothing will prepare you for the sight of The Rock. We quickly set up camp before learning about the local Aboriginal History at the Uluru Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Soon after we’ll be experiencing our first awe-inspiring Uluru sunset, taking time to absorb the beauty and majesty of this place. (BLD)

05

Day 5

Uluru
We start the day at dawn taking a (3 ½ hour) walk around the base of Uluru. Hiking through acacia woodlands and grassy clay pans, you’ll spot wildlife at waterholes, marvel at The Rock’s geological wonders and learn more about Aboriginal interpretations from your Culturally Accredited Groovy Guide. Later, we relax back at our campground or join one of our Adrenalin Plus options. (BLD)

06

Day 6

Uluru to Alice Springs
After devouring yet another scrumptious breakfast we’ll experience a glorious sunrise over Kata Tjuta, before we hike to lookouts around Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and visit the majestic Valley of the Winds with its ancient rock formations and extraordinary views. After lunch, we’ll hit the road to Alice Springs, arriving approximately at 6:30pm. Overnight accommodation is included, dinner is at own expense (BL).

07

Day 7

Alice Springs
A day of leisure to either relax or explore the Red Centre township of Alice Springs. All activities and meals are at your own expense. Accommodation is included.

08

Day 8

Alice Springs to Banka Banka Cattle Station
You will be collected from your Alice Springs accommodation at approximately 6.00am and then our adventure through the ‘Territory’ to Darwin begins. Just north of Alice Springs is the Tropic of Capricorn (80% of the Northern Territory lays north of this point). Further along the track are the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) which are a collection of gigantic granite boulders magically balanced on top of one another. Our day winds to a close just north of Tennant Creek at historic Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp for the night. (L,D)

09

Day 9

Banka Banka to Katherine (via Mataranka)
No trip to the ‘Territory’ is complete without a visit to the Daly Waters Pub, an important watering hole for explorers and drovers in days gone by and now a great spot for a cold beer, a bit of history and a ‘fair dinkum outback experience’! Later in the day you can take a soak in the Mataranka Thermal Pools, a lush oasis fringed by paperbark trees before journeying to Katherine and our overnight camp. (B,L,D)

10

Day 10

Katherine to Darwin (via Nitmiluk National Park)
Your guide will wake you early this morning for the short drive to the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park which is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Ancient sandstone has been carved away by the Katherine River to create a deep and picturesque gorge. You may like to take a boat cruise or paddle a canoe (seasonal) through the peaceful water (both optional and additional cost). In the afternoon, relax and watch the changing landscape as we travel to cosmopolitan Darwin. Overnight accommodation included, dinner at own expense. (B,L)

11

Day 11

Darwin to Kakadu National Park
The first stop for the morning is the Mary River Wetlands, renowned for the 250 bird species that can be found here and the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the Southern Hemisphere. To get the best understanding of the area you will take an informative wildlife cruise (included) along the Mary River where you can spot ‘crocs’ and other wildlife.
Your introduction to Kakadu National Park is at the South Alligator River where you will also have lunch. The Bowali Visitor Centre is a good place to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts before your late afternoon arrival at Ubirr. At Ubirr you can view a wide range of Aboriginal rock art which will be interpreted by your guide. Here you will learn about the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for excellent views over the surrounding floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. Tonight enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at our private campsite. (L,D)

12

Day 12

This morning the jewels of Kakadu National Park await. After breakfast and departing camp we travel off road to the majestic Twin and Jim Jim Falls for a day of adventure and exploration. Travelling into Twin Falls by 4WD track, a boat shuttle and finally a rocky track and boardwalk we will be rewarded by the beauty of this remote waterfall deep within Kakadu National Park.
Afterwards we stay off the beaten track where a walk through monsoon forests and over boulders lead us to Jim Jim Falls. Surrounded by 150 metre cliffs, we spend some time soaking up the natural beauty of this majestic location. This afternoon we depart Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park where we will stop along the way at our private campsite. Tonight, enjoy a hearty meal with your fellow adventurers. (BLD)

13

Day 13

Today is spent exploring the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Marvel at the intriguing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls. Discover the many rock holes and cascading waterfalls of Buley Rockhole before our early evening arrival back in Darwin. (BL)